MANILA, Philippines?President Benigno Aquino III called on the nation Sunday to remember and honor its national heroes for serving the people and offering their lives to help attain democracy for the nation.

The President at the same time honored his father, the martyred late Senator Benigno ?Ninoy? Aquino Jr., whom he said ?fearlessly? came home to demonstrate his opposition to the dictatorship of then President Ferdinand Marcos despite threats to his life.
Senator Aquino was shot dead upon his return to the country in August 1983, which sparked demonstrations against the Marcos regime and eventually led to the downfall of the dictator.

Marking National Heroes' Day in commemoration rites at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (Heroes? Cemetery) in Taguig City, Aquino also prodded people to become heroes of today, ?without wielding a gun or a spear? or for ?blood (to be) spilled?' as in the past.

?I believe that the blood flowing in every Filipino is that of a patriot. We are a nation of heroes,? Aquino said in a speech he delivered after he led commemoration rites that included laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

What the times call for, according to the President, is for the people to render ?cooperation and selfless service to our fellowmen without expecting anything in return.?

?In fact, becoming a good and responsible citizen is heroic enough,? he said.

But President Aquino also lamented people who ?disregard the greatness of our past,? who are ?consumed by selfishness and egotism? and ?remain shackled to a culture of indifference and finger-pointing.?

He warned this was the ?very root of corruption and theft? because it ?puts their personal interests ahead of the well-being of the majority,? and thus served as the ?biggest obstacle in our path towards change.?